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AllenZ
Pair
Joined: 09 Jun 2006
Posts: 29
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 Posted: Thu Jun 15, 2006 6:27 pm Post subject: Write Your Representative if you are in the US |
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I just wrote to mine. Feel free to borrow anything you wish from this text, but change it a bit.
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Sir,
I was scanning the news today and noted that a bill concerning internet gambling had passed out of committee. I was stunned to think that someone (or many) in the House feel it is their job to govern yet another aspect of our private lives. I am not writing this letter because I gamble online. I am writing because I feel this is yet another case of select Representatives attempting to govern personal choice matters. Whether I choose to partake in a game of chance/skill doesn't harm anyone and seems like a choice that I, as a 56 year old with a Masters degree am capable of making.
I don't know your position on this issue, but hope you will vote against it and other issues that reflect a "big brother" attitude should they reach the floor.
Honestly, I am still having trouble believing that my tax money is being squandered by even supporting discussion on this matter when there are so many trully pressing issues that need to be addressed.
Thank you for taking the time to listen. |
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OpDS311
Banned
Joined: 23 Jan 2006
Posts: 4368
Location: Colbert Nation
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Pokit2s
Message Board Junkie
Joined: 22 Jun 2005
Posts: 1261
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| Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 12:19 am Post subject: |
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I've read a lot about this, and I don't think the letters will change their opinions all that much. A lot of people at the 2+2 forum have written, only to see that the reply said, and I'm paraphrasing, "I will take your view into consideration, but I am still against internet gambling."
I am however joining the Poker Players Alliance as I think this is our best shot. |
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griffinlord
Message Board Junkie
Joined: 20 Jul 2005
Posts: 2466
Location: The Great Plains of South Dakota
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| Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 3:01 pm Post subject: |
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| Pokit2s wrote: |
| I've read a lot about this, and I don't think the letters will change their opinions all that much. |
For those who've made up their mind there will be no changing it (and remember to vote for their opponent next november). But any that are sitting on the fence could be persuaded.
Any that can be persuaded need to hear from lots of folks. Not just the email form letters. Take the time to write something...you've got a computer, you've got a word processor--send a letter in an envelop. The first line of the letter should be simple:
Vote NO on HR 4777
The second line should be equally simple:
I vote and I will remember your vote in November.
Then you can babble on about any specifics you wish. Just make sure your babble is more coherant than "message board speak."
Better yet, buy a stack of postage paid postcards, print your Reps name/address on the front and a simple two line message on the back with room for signatures from all your friends (of voting age).
In all cases make it VERY clear you will vote for their opponent in November if they vote yes on the bill. Your representative has a very cushy job and they know it. Their biggest fear is losing their position. |
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BOYNAMEDSUE
Moderator
Joined: 27 Jun 2005
Posts: 9112
Location: Mypos
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| Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 3:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Also, let your Representative know that how they vote will determine how you vote next election. |
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kris40k
High Card
Joined: 05 Jun 2006
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Tue Jun 20, 2006 4:41 am Post subject: |
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I went and sent one from the Poker Players Alliance (sure is wasn't my words, but it was very well written, and caught what I felt) to my Rep and state Senators back on the 4th. I heard back from my Rep on the 15th:
(forward: any mispellings/typos are most likely mine)
----start----
Dear (Me)
Thank you for contacting my office with your concerns for Internet gambling regulations. I appreciate your correspondence and am happy to respond.
Americans spend over $40 billion a year on legalized gambling and more than $30 billion a year gambling illegaly. A majority of states continue to outlaw most forms of gambling. Several federal criminal laws concernig gambling have been in place since the 1970s and 1980s. Various cases unrelated to Internet gambling have lead to strict regulations. It is a federal crime to:
- conduct a gambling business in violation of state law, 18 USC 1955
- use telecommunications to conduct an illegal gambling business, 18 USC 1084
- travel interstate or overseas, or use any other facility of interstate or foreign commerce, to facilitate the operation of an illegal gambling business, 18 USC 1952
- spend or deposit more than $10,000 of the proceeds of illegal gambling, 18 USC 1957
Online gambling differs greatly from the buying of things over the Internet such as books or airline tickets. Legality and regulation of gambling is first and foremost a matter of state law. The majority of federal gambling laws have been enacted to protect states that have outlawed various forms of gambling in order to protect their intrests. You might want to check state gambling laws to determine what forms of gambling Alabama allows.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Rest assured, I will carefully examine legislation that might infringe on your Constitutional rights. With best wishes, I am
Sincerely yours,
Terry Everett
---end---
2nd District of Alabama Rep, still haven't heard back from my Senators.
Overall, I felt the letter was overly negative, as all he did was point out how illegal it is to gamble. He did mention how it was for the states to decide what was illegal, but I dont know, going to have to watch his move on re-election time. |
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